Carmel cop honored for saving life

(From left) Officer Tony Lovitt; Bill Schiles, Good Samaritan; George Utzinger, Jeff Utzinger’s 10-year-old son; Jeff Utzinger, survivor; Alayna Fenimore, dispatcher and Jill Jones, dispatcher. (Photo provided)

On June 20, 2017, Carmel Police Officer Tony Lovitt was on patrol when he received notification from Hamilton County Communications Center dispatcher Jill Jones of an unconscious male in the area of Bayhill Drive and Sugar Cay Court.

Officer Lovitt responded and, upon arriving on the scene, he observed a good Samaritan, Bill Schlies, performing CPR on the unconscious male who was later identified as Jeff Utzinger.  Officer Lovitt immediately retrieved his automated external defibrillator (AED) and attached the instrument to Utzinger.  The AED delivered one shock to Utzinger.

Also arriving at the scene was Sergeant Brady Myers.  Myers assisted Schlies and Lovitt by performing chest compressions on Utzinger until Carmel Fire Department personnel arrived.

Officer Lovitt was recently honored for his quick and effective response along with Sgt. Myers for his assistance with chest compressions.

The Carmel Police Department stated the officers’ quick actions resulted in Utzinger being revived on the scene and transported to the hospital for further care.

Following the incident Officer Lovitt maintained contact with a family member and sought updates on Utzinger. Later, Utzinger and his family then met with Lovitt.  The meeting was described very emotional as Utzinger thanked Officer Lovitt for his quick actions that played an integral part in saving his life.

Jeff Utzinger is married with three young children and as a result of these first responders they will have their father for many more years.

On Feb. 13, Officer Lovitt, Bill Schlies and survivor Jeff Utzinger were recognized by IU Health North and “Bolt for the Heart 5K Run/Walk” AED presentation at the State Fairgrounds Indiana Farm Bureau building.